Simple Ways to Use Less Energy and Save Money

Enjoying the dog days of summer? If so, it’s probably safe to say that air conditioning and cool showers are helping you weather the weather.

With each year, new heat records are set. It’s simply not an option to try to get through the unbearably hot summer months without modern conveniences like air conditioning.

As you probably know, it costs money to stay cool. Extreme temperatures, whether they’re single digits in the winter or record-breaking heat in the summer, are making people more motivated than ever to find ways to cut their energy use.

Cost-savings measures

In 2014, the average U.S. house used 10,932 kilowatt-hours, or about 911 kWh per month. Translated into a language everyone understands, the average electric bill for a U.S. household was $114.09 a month, which adds up to $1,369.08 a year. And that’s not even including gas and water.

It’s no wonder people want to find ways to reduce their energy bill. Not only does doing so make an economic difference for the household, but it also reduces your impact on the environment. It turns out that going “green” has two meanings: protecting our green planet as well as the green in your wallet.

In this series, we’ll share specific ways you can reduce your energy use. These tips will go beyond the advice to “turn down your thermostat.” (Though we do have some tips about that.) Instead, you’ll get plenty of creative and practical tips that will benefit both your wallet and the planet.

How to use less electricity: In most cases, your electric bill is your most expensive utility. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and adopting a few electricity-saving habits, you’ll be able to take a slice out of that bill.

How to use less gas: Your gas bill might not be on your radar right now, but it will be in a few months. Master a few ways to lower your bill before cooler weather comes.

From saving money to saving the environment, finding ways to use less energy is a good thing. Here are dozens of ways you can use less energy and save money when it comes to electricity, water and gas./blog/ways-to-use-less-energy-1Erie Insurance